The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who was recently diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s discharge teaching plan?
Take prescribed cortisone accurately.
Use a walker when weakness occurs.
Avoid extreme environmental temperatures.
Increase daily intake of sodium in diet.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Taking prescribed cortisone accurately is the most important instruction for a client diagnosed with Addison’s disease. Cortisone is a type of glucocorticoid replacement therapy that helps to manage the symptoms of Addison’s disease and prevent adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition characterized by acute insufficiency of adrenal hormones.
Choice B rationale
Using a walker when weakness occurs may be helpful for some clients with Addison’s disease, as muscle weakness is a common symptom. However, it is not the most important instruction. The primary treatment for Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy, which should help to alleviate symptoms such as muscle weakness.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding extreme environmental temperatures can be beneficial for individuals with Addison’s disease, as they may have difficulty regulating body temperature due to cortisol deficiency.
However, this is not the most important instruction. The cornerstone of managing Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy.
Choice D rationale
Increasing daily intake of sodium in the diet can be beneficial for some individuals with Addison’s disease, particularly during periods of gastrointestinal illness or intense physical activity. However, this is not the most important instruction. The primary treatment for Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cold and dry skin can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, but it’s not typically a sign that requires immediate action.
Choice B rationale
Facial puffiness and periorbital edema can be symptoms of hypothyroidism, but they’re not typically signs that require immediate action.
Choice C rationale
A hematocrit of 30% (0.30 volume fraction) is lower than the normal range, indicating anemia. While this is a concern and should be addressed, it’s not typically a sign that requires immediate action in the context of hypothyroidism.
Choice D rationale
A further decline in the level of consciousness can be a serious sign of deteriorating health in a client with hypothyroidism and should be acted upon immediately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that develop at the end joints (distal interphalangeal joints) of fingers, particularly the fingers closest to the nails. They are a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis causes the protective cartilage in the joints to wear down over time, leading to the development of these bony growths, which can be painful and limit joint movement. Therefore, discussing strategies for managing chronic pain with the patient is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale
While checking the patient’s radial pulses and capillary refill time is a part of a comprehensive physical assessment, it is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis.
Choice C rationale
Although Heberden’s nodes are a sign of osteoarthritis, they are not typically an emergency that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider. They are a common finding in individuals with osteoarthritis and are usually managed with conservative measures such as pain management and physical therapy.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the patient’s dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden’s nodes or osteoarthritis. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, it does not specifically address the pain and limited joint movement associated with Heberden’s nodes.
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